Volkswagen launches all-electric T6

Volkswagen has launched its first all-electric van in the UK with prices for the zero-emission ABT eTransporter 6.1 starting from £42,060 (excluding VAT). 

The Transporter is used as a base vehicle for a large number of campervans, including VW’s own California, although it is not yet known whether this all-electric Transporter will be converted into a campervan.

Developed in collaboration with ABT e-Line, the ABT eTransporter 6.1 has an all-electric range of up to 82 miles and produces a maximum power output of 109bhp (83kW). The battery is fitted underneath the load area to avoid compromising the cargo area of 6.7m3 and payload of up to 1,001kg (unconverted).

The ABT eTransporter 6.1 is also fitted with regenerative braking, switching the drive motor to generator operation to recover energy lost when braking. The resulting current is fed back into the battery and stored for later use.

The driver is able to see the battery status from the instrument cluster, where the usual rev counter dial has been replaced with a power meter. When the needle is in the green, the battery is being charged by recuperating energy that would otherwise be lost during braking. The blue area denotes the optimum speeds and acceleration for the most economical driving, while the charge level indicator states the current charge in the battery.

The ABT eTransporter 6.1 features a modified dual-clutch DSG transmission. When Drive (‘D’) is selected, the motor will deliver 75 per cent power to maximise range, with the kickdown function on the gear shift providing 100 per cent power and torque, maximising performance.

Rapid charging using a DC charger of up to 50kW means the vehicle’s lithium-ion battery can achieve a charging state of 80 per cent within approximately 45 minutes. It can also be charged using AC up to 7.2kW, which will charge the battery in approximately five-and-a-half hours.

The new electric van is equipped as standard with a DAB+ radio system with 6.5-inch touchscreen and four loudspeakers, SD card slot, Bluetooth handsfree and two USB interfaces (type-C) in the dashboard.

Volkswagen AppConnect, which allows you to bring smartphone apps onto your infotainment system’s touchscreen, is also standard alongside a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems, including Front Assist with City Emergency Braking System, rear parking sensors and Crosswind Assist.

Above the standard van is the Advance trim, which adds extras such as 17in alloy wheels, electrically foldable door mirrors, automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, heated windshield, auto-dimming rear view mirror and front and rear parking sensors.